Salang Pass cleared for traffic: official

CHARIKAR (PAN): The snow-bound Slang Pass, a strategic route that connects Kabul with northern provinces, was cleared on Wednesday for vehicular traffic after 53 avalanches blocked the highway at five locations since Friday, an official said.

The blockades left hundreds of vehicles stuck on both sides of the Russian-built tunnel since Friday. However, vehicles were allowed their movement on Wednesday after storm threats subsided, the highway's maintenance commander, Gen. Abdul Rajab, told Pajhwok Afghan News.

He said trucks stranded on the south and north part of the tunnel would be allowed to travel a day later in order to avoid traffic jams.

Rajab advised passengers to use warm clothing and drivers to use tyre chains while travelling on the icy 12,000-foot-high pass.